AIRBUS HOPES TO RAISE A320 PRODUCTION RATE

By Dino D'Amore
January 14, 2011 10:06

Airbus has stated that it is investigating whether it will be able to increase production of A320-family aircraft to 44 aircraft a month. It currently produces 36 A320s a month, which is set to rise to 40 during the first quarter of 2012. Even if the European manufacturer can produce an extra four aircraft, it is not convinced its suppliers will be able to cope.

Tom Williams, executive vice-president programmes at Airbus, has stated that demand is driving serious consideration to further increasing the production rate of the A320. With a new order for 180 aircraft placed this week, the manufacturer needs to invest it is “cash cow” product.